Fall

• Check fireplace and chimney; service or clean if needed
• Clean range hood filter
• Clean leaves out of eavestroughs
• Check roofing and flashing for signs of wear or damage
• Close outside hose connection
• Close windows, skylights
• Check weather-stripping around doors and windows
• Clean and reactivate heat recovery ventilator, if it was turned off
• Winterize landscaping
• Test space heating system
• Close vents to crawl spaces
• Test your smoke alarms; change the batteries at least once a year

Winter

• Clean or replace furnace filter
• Check/clean heat recovery ventilator; wash or replace filter
• Clean humidifier and turn it on if needed

• Check exhaust fans
• Ensure that air intake, exhausts and meters are clear of snow
• Clean range hood filter
• Check basement floor drain
• Do safety checks: fire escape routes; fire extinguishers; door and window locks
• Ensure gas valve is clear of ice and snow

Annually

• Dust or vacuum electric baseboards
• Vacuum ducts behind warm air and return air grilles
• Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they’re working
• Test pressure relief valve on hot water tank; drain water from tank
• Check and, if needed, oil door hinges
• Lubricate garage door motor, chain, etc
• Check attic for signs of moisture in summer or fall
• Check septic system; clean if needed (usually about every three years)

Every Two to Five Years

• Check and repair driveway cracks
• Check and repair the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and chimney, re-caulk as necessary
• Refinish wood surfaces, including window frames and doors